Elderly murder accused 'should be moved'

A lawyer for an 83-year-old man charged with murdering his 86-year-old wife has asked for him to be moved to a secure psychiatric facility.

In Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Monday, defence counsel Bronwen Waldron said it would be more appropriate for Daniel Dunn to be housed in a "therapeutic environment" while his case proceeds through the courts.

She said his transfer from Adelaide Remand Centre would depend on the availability of a bed in a psychiatric facility, but asked the court for an order to allow Dunn to be moved should one become available.

Magistrate Nick Alexandrides said he didn't consider he had sufficient information to make the order and suggested the issue be raised at the man's next court appearance.

He noted an assessment on Dunn's suitability for home detention bail had raised issues around his cognitive abilities and his own safety.

Given this, he told Ms Waldron he expected authorities would be "mindful of your client's health interests and special requirements".

Dunn made no comment and sat with his head bowed during the short video-linked court appearance, the second since his arrest late last month.